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Big-Headed Ants

It is amazing how many different ant species can invade your home. If you managed to cope with an ant infestation issue last year, you may now encounter a totally different species of ant, with different characteristics. We, at Total Pest Services, pay attention to all the species common in Central Florida, and on this page, we’ll talk about big-headed ants that are commonly seen in Orlando.

What Exactly Are Big-Headed Ants?

Big-headed ants or Pheidole megacephala is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. Just like the Florida carpenter ants, these are easily mistaken for termites. However, if you have the chance to get a closer look at them, you could not miss their big head.

Appearance

In terms of color, big-headed ants are light brown to dark reddish. They have major and minor workers. The major workers grow up to ⅛ of an inch long, while the minor ones are only 1/16 of an inch and do not even have the typical large head.

Reproduction, Diet & Habitat

The big-headed ants feed on dead insects, honeydew, small invertebrates, and others. They often nest along branches and into canopies of trees or debris-covered foraging tunnels with numerous entrances and tunnels created on the surface of the ground. They can also live indoors, which is the reason why many people are looking for professional ant removal services. Queens produce eggs which become workers and reproductives. Colonies typically consist of multiple queens.

How Did I Get Big-Headed Ants?

They can easily climb up the sides of homes, entering through cracks in walls or open windows/doors. From here, they congregate in every room where food sources are plentiful (usually the kitchens). They are looking for seeds, sweets, grease, and items rich in protein.

family playing in back yard

Are Big-Headed Ant Infestations Dangerous?

The big-headed ants don’t usually bite, and they are not known to cause significant damage to residences. As for your outdoor areas, they can cause minor damage to your lawn. Also, they can easily spread to packaged or exposed foods (fruits, meat, and others)

The Solution — Ant Removal Services

The big-headed ants are one of the most stubborn species, and controlling their population can be tricky. We, at Total Pest Services, know that the best approach is to have a multi-faceted plan to achieve long-lasting results in getting rid of a big-headed ant infestation. Call us today for an effective big-headed ant removal service!

If You’ve Got Pests, Then Call the Best!